Poland launches largest military exercises yet with 30,000 soldiers
Photo: The largest military exercises have begun in Poland (Getty Images)
In Poland, the strategic military exercises Iron Defender-25 have begun, becoming the largest for the country in 2025, RMF24 reports.
According to official information from the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, about 30,000 military personnel from Poland and allied countries are taking part in the maneuvers, along with more than 600 units of various types of military equipment.
The exercises include land, sea, and air components and will be held at designated training grounds in the Warmian-Masurian, Pomeranian, and Subcarpathian voivodeships.
The General Staff noted that this year’s maneuvers involve the use of new strike and reconnaissance platforms, taking into account the practical experience gained during the war in Ukraine.
Poland strengthens its army
In 2026, the Polish government plans to spend about $54.75 billion on defense, which will amount to 4.8% of the country’s GDP. This is a record figure in the nation’s history.
Recently, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that his country wants to increase the number of troops on the border with Belarus. Later, Kosiniak-Kamysz clarified that Poland intends to implement the East Shield project, which includes strengthening the country’s borders with Russia and Belarus.
In addition, Poland recently signed a contract with South Korea to purchase 180 K2 tanks. As a result, the country will have more than 1,100 tanks - more than the UK, Germany, France, and Italy combined.
Earlier, Poland had already purchased K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems, FA-50 light attack aircraft, and K9 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea. In addition, the country bought Abrams tanks, Apache attack helicopters, HIMARS launchers, and Patriot missile defense systems from the United States.
